The Middle East has witnessed a seismic shift in its telecommunications sector, driven by groundbreaking advancements that are not only fostering economic progress but also transforming the fabric of connectivity. These innovations are reshaping the ways in which people and businesses communicate and interact.
Within this dynamic confluence of business and technology, the integration of AI and autonomous technologies has become essential. Leading this charge is Abu Dhabi’s e& which is a beacon of digital innovation and connectivity in the region and internationally.
As the technological landscape continues to evolve with new and existing technologies, e& has been pivotal in closing the digital gap, advocating for inclusivity and accessibility for everyone, regardless of their geographic or socioeconomic status.
At the cutting edge of the telecom-tech sector, e& introduced the autonomous retail store named Ease in Dubai in 2023. This unique retail concept offers a variety of consumer electronics and accessories in a fully automated environment, enhanced by AI, machine learning, and smart technologies.
In line with the global surge in electric vehicle (EV) sales and a commitment to a greener future, e& launched Charge&Go, propelling the electric mobility revolution forward. Through partnerships with significant energy players, e& is crafting an ecosystem that ensures a seamless EV-charging experience and is establishing one of the most extensive EV-charging networks.
As a telecommunications giant with over 173 million subscribers across 16 markets, e& leverages strategic partnerships to foster growth, offer innovative solutions across various sectors, and secure sustainable investment opportunities for its stakeholders.
Strengthening their enterprise services, e& and Vodafone Business have extended their collaboration to jointly deliver products and services to businesses and public sector entities, aiding their digital transitions. The Al-Futtaim Group is the first to benefit from this enhanced collaboration.
Partnering with Indosat, e&’s wholesale division is pioneering inventive strategies to cater to customers in Indonesia, the UAE, and beyond, focusing on premium international voice services.
Collaborations with global tech giants are part of e&’s strategy. With Intel, e& is working towards sustainable edge data centers with net-zero carbon emissions, relying on Intel’s technology for energy efficiency and performance. Their global footprint extends to 32 countries, including ventures like STARZPLAY and the Careem Everything app.
In a joint effort with E-Space, a global space company, e& is developing advanced IoT solutions and digital transformations, which will revolutionize connectivity across various platforms. A partnership with Microsoft has resulted in the creation of the Consumer Assistant, an AI-driven voice assistant powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, reflecting a commitment to innovative consumer technologies.
Moreover, e& has collaborated with Circles to empower regional mobile network operators to launch digital brands targeting tech-savvy consumers.
e&’s growth is driven by a blend of innovative strategies and investments in cutting-edge technologies. In 2023, e& expanded its global presence by investing in Vodafone and acquiring a majority stake in PPF Telecom, thereby entering the Central and Eastern European markets.
The company also solidified its operations in Pakistan by purchasing Telenor Pakistan, combining the strengths of PTCL and Telenor to spur innovation and expand its customer base. A significant investment of $400 million in Careem showcases e&’s transformation into a global tech conglomerate.
Additional acquisitions, such as elGrocer, Smartworld, and a merger with Khazna, have allowed e& to extend its offerings beyond telecommunications, with the Starzplay acquisition emphasizing its commitment to global expansion in entertainment and fintech.
The company’s direction reflects an understanding that the future of technology transcends traditional telecom services, venturing into critical areas like fintech, entertainment, and super apps, simplifying digital interactions and shaping personalized digital experiences worldwide.
Sustainability is at the heart of e&’s business ethos. The company is actively contributing to the global climate action agenda by adhering to stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. A standout moment at COP28 was the announcement of e&’s aim to achieve zero carbon emissions across all operations by 2040, with an interim goal of net-zero operations in the UAE by 2030.
To meet these targets, e& has laid out precise goals, including a 43% reduction in emissions from its activities and energy procurement (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030, and a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions, which encompasses supply chains and investments.
A major initiative in reducing carbon emissions is the shift from traditional to electric vehicles, with a pilot plan to replace 100 vehicles by 2030. During COP28, e& also promoted sustainability by distributing over half a million green SIM cards in the UAE.
To spearhead the telecom industry’s decarbonization, e& has joined forces with the GCC Sustainability Alliance to establish the Innovation Hub for Power Solutions, collaborating with peers like STC, Zain, Ooredoo, Omantel, du, Huawei, Ericsson, Nokia, and Intel to exchange knowledge and green technologies.
In a world where digital technology is ever-present in daily life, offering seamless connectivity and personalized experiences, e&’s role in driving digital transformation is crucial. Its unwavering dedication to innovation, strategic partnerships, and a sustainable future positions it as a leader in shaping the next revolution in the digital landscape.
